Author: jemgirlatthepiano

Music Journalist

Singer-songwriter Zarema releases new single Child’s Prayer 

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Zarema, originally from Crimea, has just released her new single Child’s Prayer. Inspired by the true story of a young refugee child affected by war, the song is dedicated to refugee children who have lost parents or suffered life-altering injuries as a result of conflict.

The idea for Child’s Prayer came a few years ago while Zarema was working on a Netflix documentary about refugee children severely affected by war.

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Classical Music News UK: Gramophone Classical Music Awards 2026 Shortlist revealed

Gramophone magazine on 11 September 2026, announced the shortlisted recordings for the Gramophone Classical Music Awards 2026, unveiling the 33 albums in contention for the most coveted prizes in classical music recording. The Awards celebrate exceptional recordings of the past year and honour artists, ensembles and record labels that have made outstanding contributions to the classical music recording industry.

On 21 August, Gramophone revealed the six nominated recordings in each of the Awards’ 11 categories in a special digital magazine; these have now been narrowed to a shortlist of three. Winners will be announced at a star-studded ceremony on Wednesday 7 October at London’s De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, where one of the winning recordings will also be named Recording of the Year. The Awards are once again presented in association with Presto Music.

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Fox and Bones to release new album Are We Still Having Fun

Following their award-winning album Long Time Honey, indie pop band Fox and Bones returnswith Are We Still Having Fun? their much-anticipated fifth record, which drops September 18, 2026. The new album marks an expansive step forward for the band, both lyrically and sonically, as they confront life after their romantic breakup, the rise of AI, late-stage capitalism, burnout, and depression, all while searching for moments of hope in an increasingly uncertain world.

Fox & Bones

Their unique story forms the emotional backbone of the new album. Fox and Bones (Sarah Vitort and Scott Gilmore) began as both a musical duo and romantic couple in 2016. After ending their relationship in 2022, they continued creating and touring together, along with longtime bassist Jared May, who inspires the duo to go deeper into their connection with each other and with the music.

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Music News UK: More updates on St Katharine’s Docks Jazz Festival 

St Katharine Docks closes out the summer season in style this August Bank Holiday weekend with the St Kat’s Jazz Festival. Three days of live jazz (Friday 28 to Sunday 30 August) with free entry for all, independent food retailers, a full bar, and over 20 world-class musicians performing on Marble Quay.

The lineup brings together legends, award-winners and rising stars from across the globe. Olivia Swann (artist in residence all summer) headlines the festival, featuring throughout the three days. Jazz legends Ian Shaw and Esther Bennet anchor the programming. Award-winning artists Jamie Safir and Louise Balkwill deliver serious musicianship. Angie Pastor flies in from NYC and Mike Harrison from Chicago, bringing international energy to the waterside.

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Music News UK: Rock music photographer Karen McBride celebrates 30 years of music history

More than three decades of Manchester music history – from unsigned bands in underground venues to Robbie Williams on tour and legendary guitarist Scotty Moore – will go on display at Manchester Central Library, this autumn.

Photographer, author and North Manchester storyteller Karen McBride will present Just a Girl from North Manchester: A Photographic Exhibition from 4 September to 31 December 2026.

For McBride, whose journey began on a North Manchester council estate, seeing her life’s work displayed just three miles from where she grew up is a poignant homecoming.

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